Kochi: The public works department has initiated tarring, and surface repair works on the Varapuzha-Moothakunnam section of NH 66, which had fallen into severe disrepair over recent months.
The municipality deposited the funds and PWD initiated the repair works a couple of days ago,” said Ramesh D Kurup, chairperson of North Paravur municipality. The second layer coating (Bituminous Concrete) will be done only after a couple of months,” he said. Months of ongoing six-laning construction activities, coupled with monsoon and heavy vehicular movement, led to massive potholes, and thick dust clouds, especially in the North Paravur region, the constituency of CM V D Satheesan. “The chief minister has convened a meeting of all stakeholders in the wake of public outburst over the badly damaged road section. The first layer tarring (Bituminous Macadam) has been completed in the Moothakunnam-Paravur section. “The tarring will be completed up to Varapuzha in another two days. The work is being carried out at night to avoid traffic disruptions. The stretch, connecting Ernakulam city to northern districts via Thrissur, had turned into a nightmare for commuters. Daily traffic bottlenecks, especially around junctions like North Paravur, and Koonammavu, caused severe delays for regular travellers and heavy vehicles. The decision to lay fresh bituminous tarring on the deteriorated motorable sections comes amid growing public outcry and demands from residents’ associations and trade bodies.
Meanwhile, the overall Rs 1,618 crore NH 66 widening project on the Edappally-Moothakunnam reach reached the 72% completion mark. You Can Also Check: Gold Rate in Kochi | Silver Rate in Kochi | Bank Holidays in Kochi | Public Holidays in Kochi Stay updated with the latest Kochi news. flyovers, and vehicular underpasses—continues along the corridor, the immediate relaying of the existing road surface will ensure smoother and safer vehicular movement While long-term six-laning infrastructure—including major bridges. Officials stated that the maintenance drive aims to reduce accidents along vulnerable bottlenecks. Key structures, such as the new parallel Varapuzha bridge, have already been opened, while work on the new Edappally railway overbridge (RoB) and service road network has reached the final phase. Download the TOI App.